See it if
You are a Sondheim aficionado and like minimalist takes on his revived musicals.

Don't see it if
You don't like minimalist productions or more obscure Sondheim

Also
No set to speak of and no costumes to speak of. A minimalist take on the rare gem of Sondheim which opened the same year as the original A Chorus Line and was swallowed in that presence. Not that it would have fared much better any year - the story of the opening up of Japan in the 1800's by Admiral Perry features an excellent Sondheim score in a cut down to 90 minutes (I have to say I sorely missed "Chrysanthemum Tea" but what can you do?). Excellent cast sings and acts the historical telling of how this isolated country goes from no contact with the world in the mid-1850's to a world financial power in the 1970's. George Takai is featured in the ensemble cast.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You want to see something completely different, musical and crazy!

Don't see it if
You don't like musicals that don't follow a linear plot and don't have "show tunes" in them.

Also
I went in knowing nothing of this show - Within 10 minutes I was engaged in the crazy, wacky world...Lyricist Val Vigoda, who plays electric violin and live loops musical instruments, vocals and lyrics, is an extraordinary talent. Wade McCollum, who play many roles including Ernest Shakleton, is a wonder! Where has this man been? What a voice - and great comic acting. This show is not for everyone - but I was with it for the fast paced 90 minutes. Don't go in expecting a standard musical - go in with no expectations and take the ride. Hope you enjoy it too! I left the theater feeling happy. I was also quite moved.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you want to follow David Byrne's musical career and like the work of Alex Timbers, director.

Don't see it if
You don't like the idea of concept "rock" musicals about Joan of Arc

Also
Great sets, lighting and lead performance. The entire cast is good and the musicians are fantastic. But it just is all over the place and doesn't make much sense. A lot of hard work doesn't pay off.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You want to see a very excellent British play with a star performance by Janie Dee.

Don't see it if
You don't like British plays about a woman confronting aging.

Also
I knew nothing about this play. I loved it. Very absorbing story about a 50-ish corporate woman trying to advance her career and take care of her family while confronting her ideas of how women of that age are viewed. Terrific plotting that veers, to me unexpectedly, to a powerful end.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You want to see the legendary Glenn Close and want to see a breakout performance by Michael Xavier

Don't see it if
you find the score banal, except for Ms. Close's 2 great numbers.

Also
Obviously this more minimal but well directed production is here because of Glenn Close. (I had seen the original with Close, along with the London production with LuPone, and the replacement cast in NYC with Elaine Paige). So I am familiar with this show and I find it a great idea - with 2, or maybe 3, good songs, and the rest of the score repetitious and sub-par. The story, of course, is fascinating and Close is matched by the excellent Michael Xavier making his Broadway debut. He was the real discovery to me. Ms. Close's voice is not what it used to be but she acts it out of the park, so it doesn't seem the audience cared she didn't hit some notes (the night I saw it). It's an event, so you may want to catch it - especially if you don't know the show or have never seen Close. Because of my familiarity, I was doubly troubled by what I see to be weak parts in the book and score - but if it's your first viewing, you may not notice or care!... Read moreRead less

Don't see it if
If you hate "deconstructed productions of stage classics.

Also
I wanted to like this production but it just went askew. The director had an idea and, as much as I appreciated him trying to say something new with a classic, it failed for me. My biggest issue was that Sally Field's Amanda took a back seat to Laura. This is because the director, with noble intentions no doubt, cast a disabled actress (Madison Ferris) who is in a wheel chair because of muscular dystrophy. Perhaps this could work. But so much focus is on this actress and her movements. Right out of the gate, the actors enter from the back of the theater - Sally pushing the wheelchair and Laura to the front of the theater - then having to get Laura out of the chair and up on the stage, where the young actress gets settled. This takes minutes and you are so focused on the actress and her movements - which was fascinating but distracting.This happens throughout and I was constantly watching Ms. Ferris' movements rather than her acting. My fault but that is where my focus went.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You like plays by Richard Greenberg. You love Randy Graff and Julie Halston.

Don't see it if
You don't like dramas written with little puzzle pieces you have to connect together. It takes concentration and work.

Also
I certainly was never bored and the cast is really wonderful. Josh Radnor is the quiet center of the storm. Randy Graff was unrecognizable to me in a thrilling performance. Julie Halston was comic and moving simultaneously. Elizabeth Reaser gives either a stunning or a weirdly annoying performance. I still haven't made up my mind. I was certainly never bored what with my mind working constantly. It's not confusing but it is intensely written, packed with interesting characters and ideas.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You want to see one if the shows that will probably vie for Best Pkay next year. If you like serious complex drama.

Don't see it if
If you don't like long, wordy plays about world events.

Also
I will just say I liked this less than most people I know. However it's a very well written piece with excellent acting. I found that unfortunately I did not get absorbed by the subject matter.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You love excitingly staged theater with fantastic costumes, sets and lighting. Great cast.

Don't see it if
You are expecting a Josh Groban concert. He is more of a member of an ensemble but does sing several exquite songs with that fab voice

Also
Based on a sliver of War and Peace, this very unusual show takes place all around the theater which has been completely redesigned to spectacular effect. You may not totally warm to the score but there is plenty in it to keep you interested. The cast is uniformly phenomenal. Difficult plot swirls by you so just relax and watch!... Read moreRead less

Also
Saw this for the 3rd time a few weeks ago the day after Teump won the election. I thought I could not laugh that night but I did. So it really still is funny if it can do that to me!... Read moreRead less

See it if
You love good and amusing and moving John Guare plays and want to see Allison Janey in stage

Don't see it if
If you don't like this play. Other than that I really like this play!

Also
I wasn't really even planning to see this revival but got tdf tickets... it's a really good play with excellent performances from all. I had seen the original several times and had forgotten most of it... so it was great to remember how good it is!... Read moreRead less

See it if
If you want to see an almost perfect 90 minute play starring a wonderful Laurie Metcalf.

Don't see it if
Can't think of a reason not to see this!

Also
I was totally in love with this play... knew nothing about it! Funny and unpredictable! Laurie Metcalf is a genius. If you don't know Dolls House you may want to read a quick synopsis... but not necessary. Please go while this limited engagement is running! Funny too!... Read moreRead less

See it if
You want to see an intense drama about the Jewish experience through art and war.

Don't see it if
Serious holicost themed dramas upset you.

Also
Very serious drama about how a Jewish play with a lesbian theme is banned from Broadway ... intense and well acted. The consequences of the play being banned turn out to be harrowing.... Read moreRead less

See it if
You want to see a good August Wilson play with a great cast.

Don't see it if
You don't like August Wilson plays!

Also
One of the better Wilson plays - I am not always enamored of his writing, so this I found to be one of his best. A great cast and a plot that kept my interest. Great performances but my favorite was Andre Holland, currently in the film "Moonlight."... Read moreRead less

Don't see it if
You don't like musicals that are reduced down to minimalist.

Also
I love Sutton Foster and I loved her here. Nonetheless, at times I thought she was miscast. However, she is the show! The fantastic score holds up even with reduced orchestra (an "all girl" band). And the ending, which really never works in any version, still misses the mark but at least attempts a new take on it. A take toward the tragic side if you think about it. But if you are a musical fan and appreciate this gen from the 60's, give it a look. You will at least be humming the score. Of the supporting cast, Emily Padgett comes up on top.... Read moreRead less

Don't see it if
If you are looking for a good plot with fleshed out characters. Those things are missing.

Also
The cast gets the most credit in this 100 minute show ... it's not 90 minutes as they say. The singing a capella with the cast doing the boom box vocal sounds is the the one thing that works here. What doesn't work is the threads of plot with 2 dimensional characters which the cast works tirelessly to flesh out. Can make you feel good or feel disappointed depending on your mood!... Read moreRead less

Don't see it if
You may be depressed by teen social anxiety and suicide

Also
A very great performance by Ben Platt and a moving story keeps this modern musical absorbing. Although the score can sometimes be a bit weaker than I would like, it has many high points and this is a case where the story really drives a musical. A thinking persons show!... Read moreRead less

See it if
You love a great cast of Broadway veterans in a classic William Finn musical

Don't see it if
You don't like a sung through Show dealing with gay characters and AIDS.

Also
As much as I admire Falsettos I have to admit it isn't on a whole one of my favorite musicals. However there is so much talent on the stage and most of the score is enjoyable (to me) that I recommend it if you sort of know what you are going to beforehand.... Read moreRead less

Also
One of the best "juke box" musicals I have ever seen. A very good plot in the life of Carole King built around the great songs written by her and by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Has you on your feet at the end.... Read moreRead less